DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK …
Despite lingering fear as to the overall health of the American economy, U.S. consumers showed surprising resilience this week.
Bloomberg’s Consumer Comfort Index (CCI) – which measures consumer comfort on a scale of zero to 100 – clocked in at 43.2 this week. That’s up 1.5 points from its 2016 low of 41.7.
Here is the trend line …
(Click to enlarge)
(Pic via Bloomberg)
According to analysts, this improvement was driven by Americans’ rosier views of their personal finances and the overall buying climate.
Well … some Americans.
“The gain occurred mainly among whites, homeowners, married individuals, $50,000-$100,000 earners, employed people and Republicans,” researchers noted in their report (.pdf here).
Langer Research Associates has compiled the CCI every week dating back to December 1985. The index’s record high of 69 was reached on January 16, 2000. Meanwhile its record low of 23 has been recorded on four separate occasions – most recently on June 21, 2009.